rSquare -- rillas rant

Quotes I like

Growing up is mandatory, growing old is optional.

First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out-- because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out-- because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out-- because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-- because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me-- and there was no one left to speak out for me.
Martin Niemoeller

Unless we safeguard the liberties of all our citizens, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Declaration of Independence mean about as much as a plastic flag bumper sticker.
Elie Wiesel

Tips for Writers

Dialog should be conversation's greatest hits.

There's nothing wrong with making chronology your friend!

Lauren Velevis, Assistant Editor, HarperCollins Children's Books

Kids have great bullshit detectors.

Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your agent and editor should definitely believe in you!

Laura Rennert, Senior Agent, Andrea Brown Literary Agency

Take whatever encouragement you get.

Debra Garfinkle, Childen's Book Author

Rejections are kinda like badges. You gotta earn them.

LynNerd, Children's Book Author

A story should be as long as necessary and as short as possible.

Caroline Hatton, Author

Thursday, July 14, 2011

62 -- Tuscan Holiday Parte Seconda: Siena

This post is dedicated to my dear friend Marilyn Donahue.

Click here to see the rest.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

61 -- Tuscan Holiday

Rilla: Think I'm going to fly.
To Italy.
Todayeeeee, yeah!
Have me a little Tuscan holidayeeeee. Yeah!!

To read the rest of this post click here...

Thursday, May 26, 2011

grrrr

Is everyone having trouble with their Google accounts or is it just me. I've been asked to sign in about a hundred times, even though I'm already signed in...grrrr.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

60--Out of the Tropics into the Desert

Watch Out! You are now entering the desert...(click here to read more)

Monday, March 21, 2011

59--Food, Fruit, and Flowers Among Friends

Abadiania, Brasil.
An hour and a half from Brasilia...(Read More)

58--On the Road Again! Continent # 6 South America

Brasilia the capital in all (Read More)

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

To All a Dry Christmas!

'Twas the night before...Click here to read more.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

56 - Ole!

If only I could dance like...that!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

55 — Through a Spanish Window or Door

Ah! Spain! The sights, the sounds, the food, the wine.

In June, we spent three glorious weeks traveling through the country, starting out in Madrid, driving through Andalucia...(Read more, click here.)

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

54 -- Here There Be Heroes and Giants and Men Made of Stinky Cheese

WHERE ELSE…

…would you find children’s writers who loom larger than life...Click here to read more

My Screen Personas

rilla

Your Score: Katharine Hepburn

You scored 11% grit, 9% wit, 66% flair, and 23% class!

You are the fabulously quirky and independent woman of character. You go your own way, follow your own drummer, take your own lead. You stand head and shoulders next to your partner, but you are perfectly willing and able to stand alone. Others might be more classically beautiful or conventionally woman-like, but you possess a more fundamental common sense and off-kilter charm, making interesting men fall at your feet. You can pick them up or leave them there as you see fit. You share the screen with the likes of Spencer Tracy and Cary Grant, thinking men who like strong women.

Find out what kind of classic leading man you'd make by taking the Classic Leading Man Test.

Link: The Classic Dames Test written by gidgetgoes

Rilla

Your Score: Joan Crawford

You scored 85% grit, 4% wit, 9% flair, and 7% class!

You are one tough dame, as tough as they come. You've had to fight long and hard to get where you are, but you always knew you'd do whatever you had to do to get ahead. You aren't above committing crimes (or seducing others to do them for you) to get what you want. You want to be happy and comfortable, but you usually always manage to get the fuzzy end of the lollipop. Even your kids are usually against you. Your leading men include anyone you set your sights on, even married guys that are never seen on-screen. Watch your back. Find out what kind of classic leading man you'd make by taking the Classic Leading Man Test.